Ten Questions With Derek Berg

Friday, 11 December 2009

At this year's US Mid-Am
1. You played so well in the first stage of PGA Tour Qualifying, not so well the second. Was it nerves?
No, it definitely wasn't nerves. I ended up getting the flu that week and didn't even have the energy to be nervous. It was very frustrating and very unfortunate timing. I played the best I could that week but just felt horrible.
2. Who did you play with at Oak Valley?
I played with Ted Oh, Jeff Wood, Mike Ruiz, Stuart Anderson, Richard Lee and Jake Roos. Great guys and great players.
3. How do you compare your game with theirs and what sort of experience do you think you gained?
I definitely came out of the Qualifying tournament this year knowing that I can compete and eventually make it to the PGA Tour.
4. Where do you think your game is right now?
I think my game is in great shape, I work very hard on improving and learning more about my game. I feel that, as every year has gone by, I have continued to improve and believe that it's only a matter of getting the opportunities before I am where I want to be.
5. Still keep in touch with your UW teammates (Berg graduated in 2003 with a degree in sociology)?
I speak with John Robertson pretty often, he's one my closest friends. I don't see anyone else that much anymore either because they don't live here anymore or because they are playing professional golf and I have remained amateur. I get to see a lot of the younger guys that played after me or are still playing at UW because we play in the same events. So I keep posted on what's going on over there at Montlake.
Getting better all the time
6. What will you be working on in 2010 to get ready for next year's Q School?
I will always continue to work on the physical fundamentals to keep my game sharp but, without a doubt, the part of my game I will work on the hardest will be my mental game. That's not to say it's poor, but the physical part is not what's going to keep me from reaching my dream.
7. What have you been up to besides playing local events and winning WSGA Player of the Year Awards since leaving UW?
I have been working in the bag room at Glendale Country Club. I service members' clubs, set things up for tournaments, and take care of the practice facilities.
8. What will you be doing in 2010 when you're not working or practicing?
I'll be playing some basketball and staying in shape over the winter months before starting back at Glendale CC in the spring.
9. How come you're still an amateur?
I have remained amateur because I just can't get funding in order to turn professional. I really don't know why I can't pick up any sponsorship. I have had a lot of empty promises and a lot of interest with no follow through. I have also had a lot of help from some very great people that have helped me keep on playing.
10. If the Tour thing doesn't work out and, let's face it, it does for very few players, what will you do instead. Become a club professional and play local PGA tournaments?
I don't really feel like playing local PGA club pro events is a good fit for me right now. It might be next year or the year after but not quite yet. I am definitely not totally against it though.